Italy, Government

popular referendum, Fascist Party, titles of nobility, house of Savoy, democratic system

Italy has been a democratic republic since June 2, 1946, when the monarchy was abolished by popular referendum. By the terms of the constitution that became effective on January 1, 1948, the reestablishment of the Fascist Party is prohibited; direct male heirs of the house of Savoy are ineligible to vote or hold any public office and are, in fact, banished from Italian soil; and recognition is no longer accorded to titles of nobility, although titles in existence prior to October 28, 1922, may be used as part of the bearerís name. Although Italyís tumultuous politics have produced more than 50 different governments since the advent of the democratic system, order is maintained through a well-established bureaucracy that supports the elected offices.